[STEAM] OpTic Gaming takes the trophy for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup

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OpTic Gaming won the trophy in the Call of Duty: ****** Ops 7 finals at

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That makes OpTic into back-to-back champions following an intense face-off with Team Heretics. The North American team had made it to nine grand finals during this Call of Duty season, ending this latest tournament at the top of the podium after falling short at the Call of Duty League 2026 Championship just weeks ago.

The EWC is taking place in Paris this time because the Iran War has made it risky to play in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And the change in scenery has suited OpTic Gaming.

This marks the second time this same squad of four players, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro, Mason “Mercules” Ramsey, Cuyler “Huke” Garland, and Brandon “Dashy” Otell had stood on the Esports World Cup stage, and claimed the top prize. They beat out the Vancouver Surge in the 2025 grand final, and had taken down Team Heretics on their way to the crown; the same squad they’d be facing in Paris this year.

After a tricky run through the Group Stage at EWC 2026, where OpTic were sent to the lower brackets by 100 Thieves, the team regained their strength in the Playoffs. They first swept through FaZe Clan 4-0, gaining revenge for their CDL 2026 Championship final defeat, then took down 100 Thieves 4-3 in a semifinal rematch to reach the grand final.

Their opponents Team Heretics made their way to the grand final through a 4-3 win over G2 Esports in the quarterfinals, while a 4-0 semifinal sweep of Team Falcons locked in their place in the tournament’s finale.

OpTic took the first two games of the final to take the lead and set the bar. Team Heretics, however, pushed back, and were able to claim back-to-back games to tie-up the series. OpTic then responded to claim two more games in quick succession, with a ferocious display to put them on tournament point. Heretics were able to snatch a win to pull back the series 4-3, but OpTic Gaming were able to close out the series and claim the trophy as they conquered game six’s Hardpoint match with a superior performance.

Speaking on the team’s win at the Esports World Cup 2026, Cuyler “Huke” Garland said, “There’s a lot of history here in Paris for OpTic, but it feels really good to end the season on this note. I’m just happy that we pulled through the whole way.”

When asked about what it means to be part of OpTic, Mason “Mercules” Ramsey said, “I love it, y’know. I’m grateful to be on a team this good and I’m just ready for next year.”

The SONY MVP award goes to Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro for the second time in a row for his performance throughout the tournament. He managed to claim a huge 655 kills throughout the competition, and earned an extra $25,000 for his contribution.

Asked on who he thanks for his MVP award, he said, “Definitely my teammates. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. Shoutout to the fans that showed up, we appreciate you guys. Shoutout Green Wall.”

OpTic Gaming walked away with a huge $600,000 share of the prize pool. For Team Heretics, a second place finish sees them take home $320,000 and 750 Club Championship points.

Ahead of the grand finals, the third place match took place between Team Falcons and 100 Thieves. While a third place finish wasn’t what either team were hoping for, there were still some important Club Championship points on the line. For Team Falcons, who currently sit in second place in the overall standings, those extra points were integral. But, after a tense reverse sweep, it was 100 Thieves who claimed third place, walking away with $210,000 in prize money and 500 Club Championship Points.

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